As Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and date palms at the burial ground in Ra'anana, a community located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to numerous participants as feasible.
Previously he offered an invitation to the Israeli public to join his family in honoring the memory of his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose body had been returned from Gaza on Monday.
Substantial Gathering
Countless individuals heeded the call. They lined the streets, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his body, and converged on the memorial grounds in such large quantities that the original plan to conduct the service indoors had to be canceled.
Instead, the event was conducted in the open air, accompanied by the sound of avian melodies.
Important Moment
This signified the opening memorial service since the last score of prisoners were released from Gaza, accompanied by seven bodies. Another more than twenty of the dead prisoners are still unaccounted for, but at the very minimum this family now had a designated location to express sorrow and honor their son, as stated by companions.
Heartbreaking Narrative
Guy Illouz, a performer and audio engineer, had been shot in the back at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had contacted his father from a hiding place to express his love; to bid farewell. He was taken hostage, and per those imprisoned alongside him, he subsequently passed away from his wounds due to lack of treatment.
Family Perspective
A trusted companion of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, in her fifth decade, stated that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, encompassing Guy's female relatives and brother, had practiced the mourning period, the seven-day period of bereavement, after discovering of his passing in December of the year before. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they needed "people around them again."
"It warms my heart that you joined us," expressed Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."
Father's Tribute
He turned to his son. "My Guy-shuk," he said, using a loving expression, "it's hard for me to envision the time to come without you. They grabbed you from me – they ended your life – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and feelings."
"I feel empty inside since that senseless shooting by those vicious attackers when they seized you and instructed you to turn around, and then just discharged two unnecessary shots into your posterior."
Ultimate Parting
"So I found myself this morning, driving to Abu Kabir identification center to verify your remains and say goodbye. They took off the covering, and the initial sight I observed was that characteristic grin, that hopeful nature, that calm demeanor and grace that so defined you."
"I touched you, tried to smell you, caressed every bone in your body. I saw you, I was alone with you, and yes, I felt with absolute certainty that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've rejoined our family. You've returned to your relatives' care, to all your friends, and to the millions of citizens whose feelings your experience touched."
Family Strength
Throughout the early part of the service, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his younger children. He stroked the hair of his girls, supported his male child, kissed his neck and maintained composure for them. But then his feelings emerged.
Cherished Memories
"I will yearn for so much journeying together through this land, feeling you, hearing your music, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to prepare the beverage the way only you knew how – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to boil it gently, let the lather develop, then simmer it additionally. Agitate the liquid with spinning actions' – and then your grin while enjoying the drink and your enjoyment in every single drop."
"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I observed you, breathed you in one last time, and yes, I kissed you on the forehead. I was could perceive your handsomeness even in the state in which you returned to us."
Ultimate Expression
"Beloved child, I adore you completely, I love you. I will miss you every second and minute of my time. Find peace, my sweet one, relax after a passage of two years through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my Guy-shuk, my cherished eldest child."
